IIHF VP Costello to receive Gretzky International Award

USA Hockey announced Wednesday that Murray Costello, the vice
president of the IIHF, will receive the Wayne Gretzky International
Award as part of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony
and dinner on Oct. 15.

Originally presented to its namesake in 1999, the award pays
tribute to international individuals who have made major
contributions to the growth and advancement of hockey in the
U.S.

Costello (pictured right), 78, is a native of South
Porcupine, Ontario. He has been an IIHF council member since
’98 and served as VP since 2008.

"Murray Costello has been a wonderful contributor to hockey's
growth in the United States, as well as the world," said Ron
DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "During his time with the IIHF
and Hockey Canada, he has been incredibly forthcoming with the
spread of knowledge and ideas that can positively impact American
administrators, coaches and players of all ages."

Long a proponent of women’s hockey, Costello was
instrumental in Hockey Canada hosting the inaugural IIHF
Women’s World Championship in 1990, when he was president of
the organization.

In 1953-54, Costello made his NHL debut for the Blackhawks. He
notched five points in his first season in the league. In the fall
of 1954, the Bruins sent Frank Martin to Chicago, acquiring
Costello. The 6-foot-3 center spent parts of two seasons with the
Black and Gold, racking up 27 points in 96 contests.

After 27 games with the Red Wings and some time in the Western
Hockey League, Costello retired.

In 2005, Costello was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a
builder. The 2005 class featured two players: late great Russian
Valeri Kharlamov and Bruins legend Cam Neely.